Can Mac Use Microsoft Edge Rating: 3,6/5 5796 reviews

For example, Microsoft Edge browser for Mac has updated fonts, navigation bars, and menus to mimic other Mac apps. Mac users will also enjoy trackpad gestures and hotkeys that feel right at home. Microsoft has even added preliminary support for Touch Bar and aims to include more contextual actions in the future. Jun 14, 2019  You can install Microsoft Edge on your MacBook, you just have to be OK with using an unfinished build, as this Chromium version of the Edge web browser is.

There's a new browser launching today, January 15, across various platforms including macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. It's the new version of Microsoft Edge, the company's first browser that's based on the open-source Chromium project, the technology behind the industry-leading Google Chrome.

Since last summer, I've been using the Microsoft Edge public beta on my MacBook Pro alongside Apple Safari, my default browser for nearly two decades. For this okay, boomer, even the thought of ditching an Apple product for one made by Microsoft was like considering an invitation to join the dark side. Nonetheless, flirting with Microsoft Edge turned out to be a positive experience.

With the first Chromium-based Microsoft Edge browser now available to the public, I plan on continuing my Microsoft adventure for various reasons. Still, I'm not ready to ditch Apple Safari either for the reasons noted below. Microsoft mouse mac os sierra.

Good start

Microsoft Edge

Price: Free download.

Bottom line: Even as an unfinished product, Microsoft Edge is on the right track. Mac users should take it for a test drive and not feel guilty about it.

The Good

  • Easy setup and import
  • Robust, flexible security tools
  • Access to Chromium-based extensions

The Bad

  • No Apple Pay integration
  • No iCloud password integration
  • Syncing isn't a finished product


Packed with features

What is Microsoft Edge?

Originally, I thought the best way to review Microsoft Edge for Mac was to compare it to Apple's Safari. After much thought, I decided against taking this approach, although I do plan on writing a separate article for iMore explaining the key differences between the two browsers. For this review, I'll focus instead on Microsoft Edge's broad features, then unpack its biggest strengths and weaknesses and why you should consider adding it to your Mac.

All about Chromium

Any discussion on Microsoft Edge needs to begin with one about Chromium. This web browser project was originally developed by Google. Like all successful open-source projects, it's been steadily improved by many third-parties, of which Microsoft is only one.

With Chromium, Google has long promised a 'lightweight and fast' internet experience. From there, it has largely been left to others to make browser-specific features worth considering.

Today, Chromium serves as the starting point for many browsers, not just Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. These include Amazon Silk, Brave, and many others.

A security and privacy win

Microsoft Edge: What I like

The first Chromium-based version of Microsoft Edge is packed with high-profile features. No doubt, those on the surface will get most of the attention. However, I've been most impressed with what's going on behind the scenes.

Hackers will always target web browsers and I don't expect that will ever change. While nothing is 100 percent secure, Microsoft is doing its part to push its Edge browser closer to absolute security through tracking prevention and a so-called SmartScreen tool.

Tracking prevention

In Microsoft Edge, you get to decide how much free rein web trackers have while you're surfing. The trackers, which collect data about how you interact with a site, includes a mix of good and bad actors. Unfortunately, separating the two isn't always easy. At launch, Microsoft Edge offers three levels of tracking prevention, Basic, Balanced, and Strict.

Under Basic, Microsoft blocks trackers it thinks are potentially harmful, while allowing others that are intended to personalize your web content and ads. The Balanced approach, which Microsoft recommends for most users, blocks harmful trackers and those from sites you haven't visited. The trade-off is you receive a less robust and personalized experience compared to the Basic option.

With Strict tracking, Microsoft blocks harmful trackers and the majority of all trackers across most sites. Under this scenario, your surfing experience becomes even less personalized. Depending on the site, the limit could also disable video and login capabilities.

Like Microsoft, I believe the Balanced approach is optimal for most users. Nonetheless, I'm impressed Microsoft has moved past an all or nothing approach when it comes to tracking. Better still, you can switch back and forth between the three levels at will depending on your circumstances or location.

SmartScreen and Application Guard

Meanwhile, with built-in Microsoft Defender SmartScreen technology, Microsoft Edge can protect you from accidentially visiting locations online previously reported as phishing or malware websites. The tool also sends out an alert if you attempt to download potentially malicious files.

For those in a work environment, Microsoft has given IT professionals even more control over SmartScreen. For businesses, there's also the Application Guard, which is designed to help prevent web-based attacks using hardware isolation.

Looking beyond privacy and security, there's no denying Microsoft has spent a great deal of time during the beta process to create a setup process simple enough for anyone to complete. As part of this, it made it easy to import data from other browsers. Current Apple Safari users, for example, can import favorites, bookmarks, and browsing history, while Google Chrome users also have the ability to import payment and password information, addresses, settings, and more.

As part of the Microsoft Edge setup process, you can also create an informative web page that shows up on new tabs. The page offers a Microsoft Bing web search box, quick links to your most visited web sites, and a full Microsoft News page. You can change the tab page to match one of three canned layouts or make it your own by creating a more customized version. The new page is a nice touch and one of the key reasons to consider making a switch.

Lots of extensions

Another benefit of using the Chromium-backed Microsoft Edge browser is compatibility. Not only can you take advantage of Microsoft's new extension store for Edge, but you can also install content from the Chrome Web Store. The compatibility means you now have access to over 190,000 extensions and web apps. At last count, Safari offers less than 100.

Extensions make a web browser even more useful and offers a great way to further customize the experience. Available extensions include web security tools, translators, password generators, and much more.

iCloud averse, lacking features

Microsoft Edge: What I don't like

The Chromium version of Microsoft Edge arrives with two limitations that could make it a tough sell for users, at least in the short-term.

One of Microsoft Edge's most important features is sync, which keeps your browser history, favorites, passwords, and other data the same across all of your devices. Unfortunately, sync isn't fully supported at launch. No doubt, Microsoft will correct this omission soon, but it's a head-scratching omission from such a high-profile launch.

There's no easy fix to the second limitation, which affects only Apple users. Microsoft Edge, unlike Apple Safari, doesn't support iCloud. Because of this, there's no way to bring over your iCloud Keychain username and passwords to the new browser. You also can't use Apple Pay. Because of the former, I have found it nearly impossible to fully embrace the Microsoft Edge browser and choose it over Apple Safari. However, if you use a third-party password manager such as 1Password, this limitation isn't important.

Beyond these pain points, Microsoft Edge is a nearly perfect browser and I can't wait to see where it goes from here. I'm also excited about trying the refreshed iOS version, available on the App Store.

Speedy, but ..

I'm not the type who puts a lot of weight on software benchmarks because those tests are heavily influenced by hardware. Because of this, I'll leave it to others to fully analyze the performance of Microsoft Edge and compare it to other browsers on the market, including Apple Safari.

With that being said, during my limited tests, I didn't see much of a difference between the two browsers. Like other Chromium-based browsers, Microsoft Edge on Mac is quick. However, it didn't seem any faster or slower than Apple Safari. Your situation could differ depending on the age of your computer, which is certainly worth keeping in mind.


A mostly great product

Microsoft Edge

As 2020 begins, a plurality of Mac users now use Google Chrome as their browser of choice, followed by Apple Safari. In total, the two browsers control 93 percent of the market on macOS. That could soon change thanks to the arrival of Chromium-based Microsoft Edge.

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If you're a current Chrome browser user ..

The new browser has been designed with privacy and protection in mind. At the same time, it firmly embraces the third-party integration and speed that has made Chrome the most popular browser on desktops overall.

If you're a current Apple Safari user ..

Thanks to limitations from Apple, Microsoft Edge can't import all content from Safari, such as passwords. However, if you're willing to look past this and want to jump head first into open-source Chromium web browsing, you should give Microsoft Edge a try. Offering perhaps a fresher experience than Safari with more privacy features, the newest browser for Mac is beautifully designed, fun to use, and customizable to match your unique tastes.

Download it

Microsoft Edge

A worthy alternative.

Microsoft Edge could give Google Chrome and Apple Safari a run for web browser supremacy on a Mac.

Have any questions?

Can Mac Use Microsoft Edge On A Mac

If you have any questions or concerns about the Microsoft Edge web browser, let us know below.

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Microsoft Edge is the new Chromium-based web browser available for Mac and other platforms. By using it, not surprisingly, you can visit websites, bookmark favorite pages, and more. Here's what you need to know to get started!

Microsoft Edge for Mac

Are you tired of Apple Safari? You can take Microsoft Edge out for a spin on your Mac.

How to visit a website

To go to a website on Microsoft Edge:

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge from Finder or the Applications folder on your Mac.
  2. Click the address bar at the top of the window.
  3. Enter the address of the website you'd like to visit, like www.imore.com.

  4. Press return on your keyboard.

    Source: iMore

How to search with the address bar

The address bar is where you can type websites by URL, like www.imore.com. But it's not just for web addresses; you can use it to search Microsoft Bing too.

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge from Finder or the Applications folder on your Mac.
  2. Click the address bar at the top of the window.
  3. Enter your search query, like 'iPhone 12 rumors.'

  4. Hit return on your keyboard.

    Source: iMore

How to bookmark a website

Bookmarks in Microsoft Edge are called Favorites. Just add your most relevant websites to this list for easy access later.

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge from Finder or the Applications folder on your Mac.
  2. Click the address bar at the top of the window.
  3. Enter the address of the website you want to make a favorite, like www.imore.com.

  4. Click on the Favorites star on the right side of the address bar.

    Source: iMore

  5. Type in the name of the favorite website in Favorite added box. You can keep the default.
  6. Select a folder to place the favorite website by typing on the Folder pulldown. Or select Choose Another Folder to pick another folder or create one.

  7. Click Done to save the favorite.

    Source: iMore

How to view all of your bookmarks

To view all of your favorites in Microsoft Edge:

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge from Finder or the Applications folder on your Mac.
  2. Click Favorites on the Mac Toolbar.

  3. Select the website you want to visit from the Favorites list.

    Source: iMore

How to remove bookmarks

Can Mac Use Microsoft Edge With Windows 7

To remove favorites from Microsoft Edge:

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge from Finder or the Applications folder on your Mac.
  2. Click Favorites on the Mac Toolbar.

  3. Select Manage Favorites.

    Source: iMore

  4. Search Favorites for the website you wish to delete.
  5. Click on the X to the right of the website, which deletes the website from your list of favorites.

  6. Select Undo if you want to bring the website back to your list of favorites.

    Source: iMore

How to browse privately

With Microsoft Edge's InPrivate tool, you can visit websites that won't save to your browsing history or create cookies. This information gets deleted as soon as you close an InPrivate window. The tool isn't foolproof, however. Microsoft explains that your school, business, or internet service provider might still have access, so keep this in mind.

To browse privately:

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge from Finder or the Applications folder on your Mac.
  2. Click File on the Mac Toolbar.

  3. Select New InPrivate Window.

    Source: iMore

  4. In the new window, use the web just like you would in a regular tab.
  5. When finished browsing, click the InPrivate box to the right of the address bar.

  6. Click Close InPrivate Windows.

    Source: iMore

How to add extensions to Microsoft Edge

Extensions allow you to add new features to Microsoft Edge from third-parties, such as built-in malware detectors, password savers, and more. Because Microsoft Edge is built with Chromium, you can install extensions from Microsoft and through the Google Chrome Web Store. The latter has over 190,000 extensions so far, last time I checked.

Microsoft extensions

To use Microsoft extensions:

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge from Finder or the Applications folder on your Mac.
  2. Click Microsoft Edge on the Mac Toolbar.

  3. Select Microsoft Edge Extensions.

    Source: iMore

  4. Click Get extensions from Microsoft Store on the left side of the page under Extensions.

  5. Search for an extension.

    Source: iMore

  6. Click on the extension you want to save.
  7. Choose Get to the right of the extension name.

  8. Click Add Extension in the pop-up.

    Source: iMore

To delete Microsoft extensions:

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge from Finder or the Applications folder on your Mac.
  2. Click Microsoft Edge on the Mac Toolbar.

  3. Select Microsoft Edge Extensions.

    Source: iMore

  4. To remove an extension, click Remove in the box for the extension you wish to remove.

  5. Or toggle off an extension you want to turn off, but not remove.

    Source: iMore

Chrome extensions

To find and install Chrome extensions to use with Microsoft Edge:

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge from Finder or the Applications folder on your Mac.
  2. Click the address bar at the top of the window.
  3. Enter the address of the Chrome Web Store: chrome.google.com/webstore/category/extensions.

  4. Press return on your keyboard.

    Source: iMore

  5. Click on the extension you want to save.

  6. Choose Add to Chrome to the right of the extension name.
  7. Click Add Extension in the pop-up.

To delete Chrome extensions:

Use the same directions as mentioned above since Chrome extensions and Microsoft extensions are located on the same page in Microsoft Edge.

How to set the tab page

Whenever you open a new tab in Microsoft Edge, you're presented with an informative page that you can customize according to your needs. You can use one of three canned layouts or go further by selecting a custom option.

How to set the homepage

The Microsoft Edge home page is the one that shows up whenever you click on the Home icon. It's not the tab page from above.

How To Install Microsoft Edge In Mac

How to use privacy settings

The Microsoft Edge web browser for Mac offers two significant privacy settings to users. These include web tracking prevention tools and the ability to remove browsing data with ease. No doubt, more privacy tools will arrive in the coming months in future app updates.

How to use the Immersive Reader

Long-form articles are easier to read with the Microsoft Edge Immersive Reader. The feature enables a distraction-free experience for readers.

To activate the Immersive Reader:

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge from Finder or the Applications folder on your Mac.
  2. Click the address bar at the top of the window.
  3. Enter the address of the website you'd like to visit, like www.imore.com.
  4. Press return on your keyboard.

  5. Find an article to read.

    Source: iMore

  6. Click the Immersive Reader book icon to the right of the address bar.

  7. Scroll to read the content using the Immersive Reader.

    Source: iMore

Using the Immersive Reader extras

Besides offering a distraction-free reading experience, the Immersive Reader includes two additional tools: Read Aloud and Text Preferences. When activated, the former will read the Microsoft Edge page, while the latter is a pop-up that includes text settings.

Both options show up on a toolbar that shows up at the top of the document as soon as you click on the Immersive Reader book icon. The toolbar goes away quickly unless you click the tack icon to keep it there permanently.

To use Read Aloud:

  1. Click Read Aloud on the Immersive Reader toolbar to have your computer read the page.

    Source: iMore

  2. Select Voice Options to change the settings for Read Aloud.

    Source: iMore

  3. Tap the X on the Immersive Reader toolbar when you're done listening.

To change Text Preferences for the Immersive Reader:

  1. Click Text Preferences on the same toolbar mentioned above.

  2. Change the Text Size and Page Theme to suit your needs.

    Source: iMore

In the above example, the page theme is changed.

Questions?

Microsoft Edge For Mac Features

Questions about using Microsoft Edge on Mac? Let us know in the comments below!

macOS Catalina

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Install Microsoft Edge On Mac

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